German migrants in Grovedale

presented by Australian-German Welfare Society and Grovedale Neighbourhood House with the kind support of City of Geelong

Grovedale was originally settled by German migrants, and was known as ‘German Town’.This exhibition tells their stories.

Successful launch for our last stop for 2015!The exhibition was officially launch on Thursday 1 October at 4pm by Cr. Andy Richards, followed by an introduction by Sabine Nielsen, exhibition coordinator and author >>> Read Sabine's speech hereElizabeth Kraus gave us a glimpse of the German heritage and culture in Geelong, past and present’.We were entertained by Joe Parks on the Accordion and enjoyed a German style 'Kaffee und Kuchen' – afternoon tea.

Special events program

German settlers in GrovedaleThursday, 15 October, 2–3.30 pmpresented by June WinterGrovedale once was called “Germantown”. June recalls a time when all the children at Grovedale Primary school had German ancestors and were related. Her ancestors arrived in Australia from Prussia in the 1850’s. Hear their stories: why they left Germany and what led them to settle in Germantown – and how everything changed when Germany went to war in 1914. Join us for “Kaffee and Kuchen” – a German style afternoon tea

Escape from the Cold War in Europe to the safety of AustraliaTuesday 27 October, 2-3.30pmpresented by Erlo PietschErlo fled Communist Rule in East Germany and found Capitalist Struggle in West Germany. In 1960, he escaped the Cold War in Europe to the safety of Australia. His new home offered him hope alongside the inevitable the culture shock: “I lost my youth by leaving home.”Join us for “Kaffee and Kuchen” – afternoon tea and German hospitality.Download Erlo's presentation.

Photos from the presentation

Photos from Erlo's 'heimat'

Contact details and opening hours

The exhibition runs from 1 October to 20 November 2015 at Grovedale Neighbourhood House.Opening hours: Monday 9am to 12.30pm, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9am to 3.30pm